- Destination -

Ohio

Ohio might not always top the bucket-list charts, but don’t underestimate the Buckeye State. From charming small towns and scenic lakefronts to roller coasters, football, and foodie hotspots, Ohio packs a lot into its borders. You can hike waterfalls in Hocking Hills, stroll historic streets in German Village, or catch a sunset over Lake Erie. Whether you’re craving a cozy Midwest getaway or an action-packed city weekend, Ohio delivers the best of both worlds — laid-back charm and endless adventure.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Ohio is May through October, when the weather is warm, the parks are lush, and festivals fill every weekend. Summer (June–August) is perfect for Lake Erie beach days, amusement parks like Cedar Point, and lively outdoor concerts. Fall (September–October) steals the show with colorful foliage and cozy small-town vibes — especially around Amish Country and Hocking Hills. Winters can be cold and snowy, but if you love holiday lights and fewer crowds, December is also a great time to visit.

Top Things to Do

Top Things to Do in Ohio

  • Explore Hocking Hills State Park — waterfalls, caves, and hiking trails galore.

  • Ride record-breaking coasters at Cedar Point in Sandusky.

  • Visit the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland.

  • Wander the Short North Arts District in Columbus for boutique shopping and dining.

  • Experience the Amish Country in Holmes County for a slower pace and homemade treats.

  • Cheer on the Cincinnati Reds or Cleveland Browns at a home game.

  • Take a scenic drive along Lake Erie’s shoreline and stop in Geneva-on-the-Lake or Marblehead.

  • Don’t miss quirky attractions like the American Sign Museum in Cincinnati or Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Ohio’s only national park.

Blogs & Itineraries

Travel information

Getting There 

Ohio is centrally located in the Midwest, making it easy to reach by air, car, or train. Major airports include Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (CLE), John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH), and Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG). Interstate highways like I-70, I-71, and I-75 connect the state to surrounding regions. Amtrak also operates limited train routes, while Greyhound and Megabus provide affordable bus options.

Travel Tips

  • Pack layers. Ohio weather can change fast — sunny one day, snowing the next in spring and fall.

  • Book Cedar Point tickets early. Summer weekends sell out quickly.

  • Visit midweek to avoid crowds at popular spots like Hocking Hills and Lake Erie beaches.

  • Try the local favorites — Skyline Chili in Cincinnati, Buckeye candies, and Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams in Columbus.

  • Plan a fall road trip. The scenic drives through Cuyahoga Valley and Hocking Hills are stunning in October.

Getting Around

Once you arrive, the easiest way to get around Ohio is by car. Cities like Columbus, Cleveland, and Cincinnati have public transportation systems (COTA, RTA, Metro), but many of the state’s best attractions are scattered across small towns and rural areas. Renting a car offers the most flexibility — especially if you plan to road trip through Amish Country, Hocking Hills, or along Lake Erie.

The tulip fields in the Netherlands look exactly like the photos, except the photos don’t capture how massive the color blocks actually are stretching across the countryside. Or the windmills. Or the sheep randomly standing in the middle of everything like they don’t know they’re in the most photogenic country on earth.

The honest caveat: tulip season moves fast, the fields rotate every year, and peak bloom is not a guarantee, it depends on the weather, the harvest schedule, and a little bit of luck. But that’s also part of what makes it feel less like a tourist attraction and more like something you actually found.

Full driving route with towns, parking tips, and what to expect | linked in bio. 🌷

#netherlands #travelling #tulipfields #exploreeurope
Amsterdam has a way of making you feel like you need to see everything, and then rewarding you most when you slow down anyway. The museums and canal cruises are worth it, but so is just wandering neighborhoods, eating whatever looks good, and sitting along the canals with a grilled cheese and nowhere to be.

First-time visitor guide is on the blog. Link in bio. 🌷

#travelling #travel #amsterdam #visitamsterdam #traveleurope
There’s a version of Gatlinburg that’s all fudge shops and tourist crowds, and then there’s the version that actually makes you want to come back.

Here’s everything worth doing downtown, in the order I’d do it: 🏔️

✨ Start at @gatlinburgskypark before the crowds hit
✨ Walk the strip mid-morning when it’s still manageable
✨ @googooclusters stop (see my post from Tuesday: don’t skip it)
✨ Dinner at one of the local spots off the main drag
✨ Wander back out at night when the lights are on and it gets actually pretty

This isn’t your overscheduled Smoky Mountain itinerary. It’s more of a “here’s what I’d actually do if I had one solid day” kind of list. 

Full downtown Gatlinburg guide linked in bio. 🔗
If someone told me I’d spend five hours at SkyPark, I would not have believed them. And yet. 😅

Gatlinburg SkyPark sits above the strip and it’s one of those places that looks like a quick stop on paper and turns into most of your afternoon. The SkyBridge alone is worth it — longest pedestrian suspension bridge in North America, and yes, you will look down.

✨ SkyBridge (longest pedestrian suspension bridge in North America)
✨ SkyLift ride up with views of the Smokies
✨ Walking trails with mountain views in every direction
✨ Way less crowded than downtown

Fair warning: if heights genuinely freak you out, the bridge might not be your thing. The rest of the park is still 100% worth it. Full guide with tickets, tips, and what to skip linked in bio. 🔗

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My Exact Packing List

I use this packing list for every trip — grab it and make packing way easier.

Embark. Explore. Eat.

Follow @travelwithwendyplummer for Beautiful Beach Destinations, City Guides, Foodie Spots, and Luxury Hotel Recommendations.

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